The British Potato Industry Award was last week presented to David Walker, who has chaired the British Potato Council (BPC) for 10 years.
Walker has made an impressive contribution to the industry.
He became the founder chairman for the BPC in 1997 and was presented with a huge task. Potato growers were divided in support for the new organisation, buyers were for the first time required to contribute levies, and all levy payers expected value for money from the new organisation.
Walker put together a team of respected industry representatives to form the first council, which set clear business objectives and budgets.
He has continued in this role for a decade and, in that time, three independent reviews of the BPC have all commented favourably on the effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation.
His achievements were recognised in 2006 when he received an OBE for services to agriculture.
His latest honour was made at the BPC-led event, British Potato 2007, in Harrogate.
On accepting his award, Walker said: “An important part of our success has been the involvement of so many in our committees and working groups, making sure that the organisation responds to industry demands.
“I was introduced to a passion for potatoes and it became an obsession for me as well. But if a job is worth doing, it’s only worth doing if it’s fun as well. I have truly enjoyed my 10 years as chairman.”
The award was been given since 1997 to acknowledge one person every year who has made a significant contribution to the British potato industry.
Nominations for the 2008 award will open in May 2008.
No comments yet